Thursday, June 4, 2015

Have you noticed a topic or theme that your child is
passionate about? It might be princesses or earth movers or dinosaurs. Your child is discovering that reading can help him learn more about what he is interested in. This is a very exciting idea. It is a powerful link to the idea of reading as a means to learning.

Becoming an expert will make him feel proud of learning, and also provide a purpose for your reading together.

Start a
little “collection.”

Go to the library or purchase books that are on this
“topic.” If you elect to buy books, keep the books about that topic together on
a shelf.

Undoubtedly your child will move on to other interests. But you have shown him that there is power in knowledge. And reading is the key.

What I think . . .

There are all kinds of readers. Some—like my daughter and me—are never without a book to read for pleasure. Others—like my son—are careful, analytical, and curious readers who read primarily to seek information from the page.

No matter what kind of reader your child becomes, you can help him or her get started. After all, you are your child’s first teacher. And, best of all, you can have some fun in the process.

About Me

I am a Developmental Psychologist, with a Ph.D. from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York. I studied language and cognitive development, concentrating on the conversational behavior of two-year olds. My career has spanned research, writing, and editorial work for children, parents, and educators. I am committed to making learning enjoyable. I have worked for Sesame Workshop, Scholastic, Pearson, as well as other media companies. Currently I am a freelance editor and consultant. I serve on the Advisory Council for LitWorld, an innovative nonprofit literacy organization committed to giving all children the opportunity to tell their own stories. I live with my husband in New Jersey, and we are the proud parents of two amazing grown children, who bring us so much joy.